Prague, Vienna, & Budapest by Train (Hotels & Sightseeing)

About the destination: Zurich is often misunderstood as just a sterile banking city, but don't buy into that. Yes, Zurich is home to one of the world's largest stock exchanges and is the financial heart of Switzerland, but there's so much more to it. Beyond the markets and stock prices, you'll discover a city that's artistic, trendy, and full of life. Spend some time in Zurich West. Its old warehouses, viaducts, and shipbuilding caverns have been transformed into art centers, cool bars, and unique boutiques. Along Langstrasse, the city's infamous red light district, you're now more likely to find a stylish handbag from an up-and-coming designer than anything else. Zurich's personality is on full display during the annual Street Parade, a massive techno festival that winds through the city with DJs and scantily-clad dancers on floats. You won't see a single banker's tie. If you do in the charming east bank quarter of Niederdorf, it's probably undone. These medieval streets are alive with corner cafes, trendy bars, and top-notch restaurants. It's easy to spend an afternoon just soaking up its relaxed vibe, especially in the summer when the riverside feels like a beach. Winter is special too. Under a blanket of snow, the cobblestone streets, fountains, lakeside walks, and stunning architecture of the Old Town seem like they were made for a painting. This is when one of Europe's best Christmas markets comes to town and the air is filled with the comforting scents of glühwein (mulled wine) stalls. Shoppers will love it here any time of year. Zurich's flashy side is on display in the high-end designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main shopping street. But this city isn't just for the well-to-do; there are plenty of unique shops tucked away on hidden streets. Located on the River Limmat and the northern end of Lake Zurich, Zurich is blessed with natural beauty. The city's architects have also made respectful additions - just look at the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, which face each other across the river. And when you've had your fill of the city's diverse restaurants, top-tier museums, and vibrant nightlife, you can always escape to the nearby Uetliberg mountain or take a boat trip on Lake Zurich – if only to catch your breath before diving back into the city's delights again.

About the destination: Frankfurt-am-Main is a major financial and business hub in Germany and its most international city. Often referred to as "Mainhattan" due to its impressive skyscrapers, it is also a vibrant cultural center, boasting significant scientific research centers and universities, a beautiful opera house, numerous theaters, and a vast array of museums. The Römerberg is the historical core of Frankfurt. At the center of this stunning square stands a replica of the statue of Justice. At the southern end, you'll find the charming Nikolai Church, and to the west, the renowned Römer, the city hall made up of several buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Nearby is the Goethe House, Frankfurt's most cherished museum, which provides a glimpse into the affluent lifestyle of the Goethe family. Behind the Historischer Garten, a historical garden where you can stroll among Roman and Carolingian excavations, the Frankfurter Dom towers. This main Catholic church in Frankfurt was the site of coronation ceremonies for the Holy Roman Emperors. This ancient Gothic-style church is one of the most significant churches in German history. Ascend the tower for a breathtaking view of the city. The city's nightlife is captivating and diverse. Its traditional live jazz scene is still thriving, and a host of trendy new bars provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a night out. In addition, Frankfurt is packed with incredible clubs for those who love to dance until the wee hours of the morning.

About the destination: The capital city of Germany, Berlin, is one of the most exciting and historically rich places in both Germany and Europe. No other German city offers as much "visible" history, despite the scars of World War II and the division during the Cold War era. No other German city boasts such a vibrant cultural life. The architecture in Berlin is incredibly diverse. It's now possible to see examples of many different historical periods in a short span of time within the city center, from a few remaining medieval buildings near Alexanderplatz, to the ultra-modern glass and steel structures at Potsdamer Platz. Due to its tumultuous history, Berlin remains a city with many unique neighborhoods. Berlin has many facets. It is a charming, cosmopolitan, multicultural, and multiethnic city with very friendly locals and a plethora of things to do and see.